Three police dead in airport shootout in Mexico

Three Mexican policemen were killed after attempting to arrest two officers who were suspects in the involvement in a cocaine trafficking ring according to officials.

The suspected traffickers opened fire immediately killing two officers while the third died from injuries sustained while passengers dived for cover.

Authorities are searching for the two attackers who escaped after the shootout.

The attempted arrest took place after federal and local officials had been under investigation for 18 months by authorities who believed them to be part of a drug trafficking ring operating from the airport.

Flights operated normally to and from the airport although the area was immediately sealed off.

A security ministry statement said the attackers, who have been identified, fired shots against federal agents after finding themselves surrounded by the police.